Program Start Date: Spring 2022
Minimum Program Length: 1 semesters; 12 credits
Curriculum Code: 61234
Program Description
The Police Pre-Academy Training (PPAT) certification is for individuals who seek to become employed as a law enforcement officer in South Carolina and become Class-1 Certified Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) and the Law Enforcement Training Council (LETC) pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws Chapter 23.
Practical Experience
Students will complete the PPAT certification in one semester. After completion of the certificate, students will need to secure employment with an SC Law Enforcement Agency, pass the cumulative exam and physical assessment test through SCCJA, attend 8-week SCCJA in Columbia, SC to begin a career as a Certified Law Enforcement Officer in South Carolina.
Professional Opportunities
This program will be an option to begin the certification process as a law enforcement officer in South Carolina.
Unique Aspects
The program will be taught face to face in one semester consisting of two 7 1/2-week terms with 2 courses per term.
Program Entry Requirements**:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be a high school graduate of have an equivalency.
- Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Must be at least 20 years of age to enter program.
**Individual does not have to be currently employed with a law enforcement agency to enter the PPAT program but will have to become employed with a SC Law Enforcement Agency prior to attending the 8-week academy program in Columbia. The individual doe not have to be 21 years old to enter the program but should not be more than a year away from turning 21 when entering the program.
Financial Aid: The PPAT certificate is designed to qualify for state financial aid, specifically Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) and the South Carolina Industry Needs (SCWINS) scholarship.
EEDA Career Cluster